Michael is a former South Australian Member of Parliament and held the seat of Lee from 1997 to 2014. He was the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing from 2002 to 2011 and retired from politics in 2014.

Michael was a physical education teacher in Kadina from 1979 to 1985, before entering politics.

Michael filled the casual vacancy position on the Sport SA Board before being appointed President in September 2015.

Michael’s passion for sport also sees him serve on the World Tennis Challenge Board.